Noah Johnson Daily Press It's been a successful start for the first ever Bark River Farmers/Makers Market. Each Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m., up to local 15 vendors set up tents and booths showcasing their products. Organizer and owner of Bark River Glitter Meghan Erickson said the market is still accepting new vendors for the season. The market is held at the Bark River intersection across the street from First Bank.

BARK RIVER – A local business owner is showcasing her community’s local businesses with a first-year farmers market in Bark River.

Meghan Erickson, owner of Bark River Glitter, spearheaded an effort to bring a farmers market to the community.

“I wanted to bring more into the Bark River area,” Erickson said.

Erickson, who is also the organizer of the local community-wide garage sale, said she wanted to bring more activities for the community to enjoy in Bark River.

“There’s farmers markets in Gladstone (and) Escanaba, so I figured why not bring it to the Bark River area. The community here are really big supporters of small businesses,” Erickson said.

The idea certainly worked, as the market held its fourth sale on Wednesday, and Erickson plans to make it an annual event.

Erickson named the market Bark River’s Farmers and Makers Market, as it also features craft vendors.

The market, open every Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Bark River intersection across the street from First Bank, features 10 to 15 local vendors each week.

Erickson shared that many local farmers are still waiting for their produce to be ready for the market, but there are still plenty of options to choose from.

“We have a lot of people here. They make different things from sourdough items, other bakery items, crochet items; there’s a whole slew of stuff,” she said.

Other items featured are keychains, jams, honey, jelly, jewelry, herbs and more.

Superior Lemonade is also available at the market each week, serving up freshly squeezed lemonade, which is perfect for enjoying while shopping at the market on a summer day.

Erickson said it wasn’t a difficult task to get the market up and running, as the community stepped up to make it a reality.

The property where the market is held is owned by Stenberg Brothers Inc., which graciously donated it for the market’s use, as well as providing a port-a-potty free of charge for patrons.

“They like to help support the community in any way they can,” Erickson said.

Additionally, the township supported Erickson’s efforts without hesitation.

“I didn’t have to go through many hoops, and that’s because everybody likes to see things grow in Bark River,” she said.

Although it’s new this year, the market and vendors have already achieved success.

“It’s been pretty steady,” Erickson said.

While the market is in full swing, it’s not too late for prospective vendors to get in on the action.

Those interested in becoming a vendor should contact Erickson at (906) 362-6422, or via email at barkriverglitter@gmail.com.

“Come on out and check it out and support the first year of the farmers market. A lot of our vendors, like I said, are still waiting on their produce just because their crops aren’t ready yet. But once they’re ready, we have vendors that are going to start bringing that stuff, and we just hope that it continues growing and people come and give us a chance,” Ericksons said.

The market will be open each Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. until school is back in session.

For more information and updates, visit the market’s Facebook page at Bark River’s Farmers/Makers Market.